Spring sips from Italy: A tour of bold reds and bright whites
A diverse collection of Italian wines awaits
The following are detailed tasting notes from a bounty of Italian wines as spring arrives.
Bella’aja Bolgheri Superiore 2021 ($55): An inviting bouquet of ripe blackcurrant, dark cherry and plum, layered with hints of cedar, tobacco and Mediterranean herbs. Firm tannins wrapped around a core of rich, dark fruit with notes of graphite and cocoa that add depth and complexity. Subtle vanilla overtones and a brash streak of acidity offer balance on the extensive finish.
Scagliola “Si Fa Sol” Canelli Moscato ($15): Light bodied and aromatic there’s fragrant notes of white peach, apricot, honey, fresh-cut sage along and orange blossom. Just a touch of effervescent bubbles slice through the sweetness with a zippy acidity. Flavors of ripe peach and apricot join the party.
Vigneti La Selvanella La Selvanella Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2020 (SRP: $46.99): Always one of my favorite expressions of Sangiovese. There’s tart cherry, dried roses and violets on the nose. The Tanned leather and petrichor notes raise the wine’s profile. Cherry, cranberry, tobacco and forest floor flavors build to a complex finish with well-integrated tannins. A wine that helps set the standard for Chianti Classico.
Santi “Solane” Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC 2021 (SRP: $23.99): Layers of flavors and aromas mingle: ripe cherry, black berry, cranberry, clove and dark chocolate mingle. There’s a playful depth as the spice notes rise above the ripe red and dark-fruit flavors. The baker’s chocolate note on the finish adds to the richness of the wine.
Tenuta San Leonardo Villa Gresti IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti 2021 ($40): A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère with a silky yet bold mouthfeel. Flavors of black cherry, cassis and ripe plum wound around a core of graphite, dried herbs and a touch of green pepper corn. There’s a burst of cocoa powder, shaved milk chocolate and cedar that hang around on the finish.
Varvaglione 1921, Collezione Privata Negroamaro Old Vines 2020 ($40): Brooding and rustic there are black cherry, plum, dried herbs and a touch of earth on the nose. Full-bodied and a showcase for bold, dark fruits, espresso and iron-like notes. Rounded out by a touch of nutmeg and spice-rack hints this is a brilliant expression of the character old vine wines can display.
Varvaglione 1921, Collezione Privata Primitivo di Manduria DOP 2021 ($40): Bold, expressive and intense with concentrated aromas of blackberry jam, ripe plum and dried fig. Baking spices, cocoa and a touch of vanilla round out the nose. A rich, full-bodied red with a lush texture. There’s dark fruit compote, licorice and dark chocolate notes on a red that’s easy to love.